THR: Theatre Arts

THR 100
​- D:
Performing and Performance

Study and practice in performance and communications: interpersonal communication, public presentations, and theatrical performance.

3 credits

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THR 101
​- D:
Introduction to Theatre Arts

An overview of performance, design, and production in the theatre. Specific texts are explored through lectures, demonstrations, and a close examination of the rehearsal process. Professionals working in the theatre are invited to speak on such topics as stage management, technical production, and direction. Not for theatre arts major credit.

3 credits

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THR 103
​- D:
Introduction to Theatre Design and Technology

An introduction to theatrical design and technology using examples from Broadway to the avant-garde. The course will examine genres, innovations, cultural context, and creative processes for the use of theatre space and the creation of design. The course will take a cross-disciplinary approach while examining traditional modes of design and the rapidly expanding use of media arts and new technologies in theatre productions.

3 credits

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THR 104
​- B:
Play Analysis

A close reading of several plays of different periods and styles and a general examination of the elements out of which all plays are made -- dialogue, character, plot.

3 credits

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THR 105
​- D:
Acting I

The basic vocabulary and skills of the actor's craft. Students explore acting techniques through theatre games and improvisation.

3 credits

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THR 110: Public Speaking

An introduction to public speaking techniques that includes increased awareness of physical and vocal expression and speech content. Not for theatre arts major credit.

3 credits

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THR 115: Stagecraft I

An introduction to topics in the areas of theatrical costume and lighting covering practical skills and approaches to design. In addition to class periods and independent projects, lighting and costumes labs are required.

3 credits

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THR 116: Stagecraft II

A study of the tools and technology involved in the creation of theatrical scenery and properties.

3 credits

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THR 117: Media: Analysis and Culture

This introductory course addresses the cultural production and reception of media that influence public discourse. It involves textual, social, and cultural analysis of film, television, and new media. Debates about mass culture, interpretation, media characteristics, aesthetic choices, and the effect of content choices are explored.

3 credits

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THR 201
​- B:
Theatre History I: Greeks to Moliere

A survey of the developments in theatre from the ancient Greeks to Moliere. The course will introduce the major periods and dramatic forms in theatre history, and explore the historical and social context in which dramatic work was created. Topics will include major plays and dramatists, theatre practitioners, innovations, and the role of theatre in a particular culture and society.

Advisory Prerequisites: THR 101 or THR 104

3 credits

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THR 202
​- B:
Theatre History II: Restoration to the 20th Century

A survey of the developments in theatre from the English Restoration to the 20th Century. The course will introduce the major periods and dramatic forms in theatre history, and explore the historical and social context in which dramatic work was created. Topics will include major plays and dramatists, theatre practitioners, innovations, and the role of theatre in a particular culture or society.

Prerequisite: THR 201

Advisory Prerequisites: THR 101 or THR 104

3 credits

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THR 205: Acting II

The development of acting skills through improvisation and selected scenes and monologues from the contemporary theatre. Requires significant rehearsal hours outside of class. Designed for students seriously interested in performing.

Prerequisites: THR 105; permission of instructor

3 credits

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THR 208: Introduction to Media Technology

A survey and hands-on introduction to digital media. Students are introduced to the practical, conceptual, and historical use of computers and related imaging tools in the visual arts through lecture, labs, readings, and project critiques. This course serves as preparation for further study in electronic media and as an opportunity for students in the arts to gain basic computer literacy. Students will develop strategies for combining images and text. Students will then distribute these works on the web. Emphasis is on the conceptual and artistic potential of the technology. No prior computer experience is required. This course is offered as MUS 208, ARS 208, and THR 208.

Pre- or Corequisite: One ARS, CCS, CSE, ISE, MUS, or THR course

3 credits

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THR 216
​- D:
Introduction to Visual Interpretation

A design and analysis course emphasizing the construction of space in the two dimensions of the computer screen and the three dimensions of everyday reality. The course examines the way space is constructed and meanings are assigned to it and considers the effects of race, gender, ethnicity, and class on those interpretations. Projects involve use of digital programs for video manipulation and editing.

3 credits

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THR 223
​- D:
Stage Costume

An intermediate level study of stage costume design and technology, combining theory and practice. Students study the tradition and history of costume design and dress, do exercises in conceiving and rendering designs and learn about costume shop equipment, techniques, and materials.

Prerequisite: THR 115 or permission of instructor

3 credits

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THR 230: Voice for the Actor

A practical course in voice production for the actor designed for theatre arts majors. Students participate in exercises for developing the speaking voice with an emphasis on the involvement of the body. Increasing resonance, range, and articulation and their link to acting and improvisation are explored.

Prerequisite: THR 105

3 credits

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THR 232: Improvisation

Drill in both verbal and nonverbal exercises and assorted theatre games leading to the development of improvisational skills.

Prerequisite: THR 105

3 credits

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THR 246: Stage Lighting

An introduction to the aesthetics and traditions of stage lighting design and technology, combining theory and practice. The course includes an exploration of color, intensity, and control through classroom and laboratory exercises using equipment and computer boards in the Staller Center for the Arts.

Advisory Prerequisite: THR 115

3 credits

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THR 277: The Media Industry

A seminar in which the interlocking structure of media production firms, advertising agencies, sponsors, broadcasters, and cable and satellite operators is examined. Among the many political and social issues arising from the making and distribution of media that are considered is the effect of this structure on a democratic society's need for a free exchange of opinion and information.

3 credits

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THR 298: Student Media Leadership

A review of the decision-making processes involved in campus media organizations and an investigation of the similarities and differences between the obligations of student and professional media managers. Class meetings are devoted to the discussion of problems related to media production and management, to talks by professionals about their specialties, and to the development of critical skills useful to practitioners and managers.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

1 credit, S/U grading

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THR 301: Stage Management Laboratory

Development of skills needed to accomplish the functions of the stage manager. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

1 credit

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THR 303: Costume Crafts Laboratory

Development of skills needed for costume and accessory construction. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

1 credit

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THR 304: Marketing Laboratory

Development of skills needed in marketing theatre. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

1 credit

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THR 305: Lighting and Sound Laboratory

Development of skills needed in installation and control of lighting and sound equipment. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

1 credit

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THR 306: Stagecraft Laboratory

Development of skills needed in theatre construction. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

1 credit

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THR 307: Performance Laboratory

Development of skills in performance through the preparation and rehearsal of a production. Student must audition, be cast in a role in a major department production, and engage in the entire rehearsal process. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

0-3 credits

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THR 308: Prevention Through the Arts

Prevention through the Arts is a project-based class that creates and performs an educational theatre piece about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Participants will experience writing and performing as well as peer education and leadership. Admission into this class is through audition, and accepted participants are expected to commit a full year to the project and register for the continuation course in the spring of the same year.

Prerequisite: Enrollment by audition only

3 credits

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THR 309: Prevention Through the Arts II

The second half of this two-semester course focuses heavily on performing. A rigorous show schedule is required of the show that was created during the fall semester. Students will develop advanced improvisational techniques and explore different actor/audience/peer relationships. This course is only open to students who took THR 308 the preceeding fall semester.

Prerequisite: THR 308

3 credits

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THR 312
​- K:
American Theatre and Drama

The history of American theatre and dramatic literature from its earliest origins through the influence of the European tradition, emphasizing major events and various cultural, religious, and ethnic influences in American society. Original American contributions to world theatre in the 19th century, particularly staging techniques and the development and growth of the musical theatre, are covered.

Prerequisites: Completion of D.E.C. categories A, B, and D

Advisory Prerequisites: Completion of D.E.C. categories I and J

3 credits

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THR 313
​- J:
Asian Theatre and Drama

A comprehensive overview of Asian theatre with special emphasis on drama, theatrical aesthetics, conventions of production, and actor training in India, China, Korea, and Japan. This course is offered as both AAS 313 and THR 313.

Prerequisites: Completion of D.E.C. categories A, B, and D

3 credits

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THR 314
​- G:
Modern Drama on Stage

A seminar examining the forms of modern drama in the context of production from 1860 to the present.

Prerequisites: Completion of D.E.C. categories A, B, and D

3 credits

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THR 315
​- I:
European History and Drama: The Classical Era

Advanced studies in select topics in theatre history. Developments in theatre from its origins to the 17th century. Periods covered include ancient Greek and Roman theatre, the Middle Ages, Italian Renaissance, Commedia dell'Arte, the English Renaissance, the Golden Age of Spain, French neo-classicism, German theatre, the English Restoration, and the early 18th century. Discussions cover the historical and cultural context in which different forms of theatre occurred, changes in theatrical convention, and the drama of the period.

Prerequisite: THR 201 and THR 202

3 credits

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THR 316
​- I:
European History and Drama: The Modern Era

Advanced studies in select topics in theatre history. Developments in theatre from the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution to the present. Topics covered include melodrama, romanticism, realism, expressionism, the birth of the avant garde, post-war modernism, and trends at the end of the twentieth century. Discussions cover the historical and cultural context in which different forms of theatre occurred, changes in theatrical convention, and the drama of the period.

Prerequisite: THR 201 and THR 202

3 credits

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THR 317: Interactive Media, Performance, and Installation

An investigation of the relationship between music and film and video. Students script, shoot, edit, and create short videos with soundtracks, exploring different aspects of visuals and music. All editing is done digitally. Works may be made for screen, installation, or performance. Also examines historical and contemporary artistic exploration with such media. This course is offered as ARS 317, MUS 317 and THR 317.

Prerequisite: One ARS, CCS, CSE, ISE, MUS, or THR course

Advisory Prerequisite: ARS/MUS/THR 208 or ARS 225

3 credits

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THR 318: Movie Making: Shoot, Edit, Score

An investigation of the relationship between music and film and video. Students script, shoot, edit, and create short videos with soundtracks, exploring different aspects of visuals and music. All editing is done digitally. Works may be made for screen, installation, or performance. Also examines historical and contemporary artistic exploration with such media. This course is offered as ARS 318, MUS 318, and THR 318.

Prerequisite: ARS/MUS/THR 208 or ARS 225 or CCS 101

3 credits

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THR 320: Production I

The application of practical skills in a theatrical production environment. The course provides experience in several areas of theatre technology through participation in full-scale theatrical productions. Costume crafts, stage management, lighting, and sound may be among the areas of focus. THR 320 and 321 may be taken in either order.

Prerequisites: THR 115 and 116

3 credits

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THR 321: Production II

The application of practical skills through participation in full-scale theatrical productions. Marketing, performance, theatre management, and stagecraft may be among the areas of focus. THR 320 and 321 may be taken in either order.

Prerequisites: THR 115 and 116

3 credits

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THR 322: Acting III

Advanced work in scene study limited to one or two major playwrights.

Prerequisites: THR 205, 230, and 264

3 credits

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THR 323: Costume Design

Advanced study in costume design involving play analysis, design, and presentation techniques with special emphasis on historical research.

Prerequisite: THR 223

3 credits

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THR 325: Scriptwriting for Film and Television

Preparation and construction of scripts for use in media: radio, television, and motion pictures.

Prerequisites: Completion of D.E.C. categories A, B, and D

3 credits

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THR 326: Playwrighting

A workshop devoted to planning and writing finished scripts for the stage. This course offered as both EGL 387 and THR 326.

Prerequisites: Completion of D.E.C. categories A, B, and D

3 credits

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THR 334
​- G:
Performance Art I: The European Avant-Guard

This course explores the history and theory of avant-guard performance from its inception in the early 20th century through Surrealism. Questions addressed focus on the choices made by artists, and the forces within the culture that encourage the forms they use. Course projects include a performance that reconstructs an event from one of the periods studied and a term paper. This course is offered as both ARH 334 and THR 334.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH, ARS, MUS, or THR course

Advisory Prerequisite: ARS/MUS/THR 208

3 credits

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THR 336: Stage Management

Various aspects of stage management, including analysis of scripts and reading of blueprints and light plots.

THR 341: Sound Design

An investigation into the scientific, formal and artistic qualities of sound developed for students who may or may not have had formal musical training. Students will write reviews of sound pieces, create film or game soundtracks, and create sound-based art-works in response to course content, and write a paper on acoustic or psycho-acoustic phenomena. Emphasis is on studio production techniques, history of sound art and basic acoustics. Students will work on Apple computers in the SINC site and LTA. This course is offered as ARS 341, MUS 341, and THR 341.

Prerequisite: One ARS, CCS, CSE, ISE, MUS, or THR course

Advisory Prerequisite: ARS/MUS/THR 208 or ARS 225

3 credits

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THR 344
​- G:
Performance Art II: World War II to the Present

This course explores the history and theory of performance art from World War II to the present, using an international perspective to identify different forms and practices from Happenings to Body Art and the introduction of new technologies. Questions addressed focus on the choices made by artists, and the forces within the culture that encourage the forms they use. Course projects include developing a site specific performance and a term paper. This course is offered as both ARH 344 and THR 344.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH, ARS, MUS, or THR course

Advisory Prerequisite: ARH/THR 334

3 credits

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THR 346: Lighting Design

Advanced topics in lighting design intended to acquaint the student with highly specialized lighting genres. Subjects include lighting for repertory theatres, the dance, and musical theatre.

Prerequisite: THR 246

3 credits

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THR 351: Special Topics in Performance

A concentration in one aspect of acting, such as preparation for the work of a specific playwright, readers' theatre, oral interpretation, improvisation, or musical theatre. Semester supplements to this Bulletin contain specific description when course is offered. May be repeated once, as the topic changes. THR 351 and THR 352 are treated as equivalent courses.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

3 credits

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THR 352: Special Topics in Performance

A concentration in one aspect of acting, such as preparation for the work of a specific playwright, readers' theatre, oral interpretation, improvisation, or musical theatre. Semester supplements to this Bulletin contain specific description when course is offered. May be repeated once, as the topic changes. THR 351 and THR 352 are treated as equivalent courses.

3 credits

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THR 356: Scene Design

Principles of design for the theatre, including color composition and rendering techniques. These techniques are related to the aesthetics of dramatic composition and the flexibility of modern staging.

Pre-requisite: THR 216

3 credits

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THR 380: Company I

A concentrated study of one play in preparation for a production of the play in the following semester. Students study the play in depth, including historical context, a complete analysis, critical writings, and a production history. In conjunction with the director and designer, the class conceptualizes the various design elements for the production and develops designs based on appropriate research. The cast and designers are drawn from students in the course. Students are expected to spend time outside of class developing web pages and other computer-based assignments for the course.

Prerequisites: theatre arts major; U3 or U4 standing

3 credits

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THR 381: Company II

A continuation of THR 380. Students rehearse, design, build, market, and produce the text discussed during the first course in the sequence. Students explore different approaches to rehearsing, styles of acting, building techniques, and the process of technical rehearsal. The course ends with a public production of the play. Students are expected to spend time outside of class developing web pages and other computer assignments for the course.

Prerequisite: THR 380

3 credits

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THR 401: Senior Seminar

An intensive investigation of theatre theorists with particular emphasis on the application of theory to practice. This course is offered as both LIA 401 and THR 401.

Prerequisites: U4 standing; permission of instructor

3 credits

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THR 403: Media: Theory and Criticism

Theoretical approaches and practices are used for a critical analysis of the content, structure, and context of significant media in our society. Background readings and examination of current theories of media are used to develop a practice in media criticism.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing

3 credits

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THR 405: Advanced Topics in Acting

Advanced work in classical or contemporary text analysis, scene study, monologues and/or soliloquies limited to one or two major playwrights. May be repeated for credit once as the topic changes.

THR 406: Eastern Styles in Acting

Study in and practice of the various principles of stylized acting, based on Asian models. Possible models include, but are not limited to, noh, kabuki, the Suzuki method, Beijing opera, and kutiyattam of India. Topics may vary by semester according to availability of guest artists and to productions scheduled in the season. May be repeated once.

Prerequisites: THR 205, 230, and 264

3 credits

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THR 438: Directing I

The work of the director, including selection of a play for production; problems of style, interpretation, and execution; and the director's approach to the actor. Not for credit in addition to THR 333.

Prerequisites: THR 205; THR 320 or 321

3 credits

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THR 447: Readings In Theatre Arts

Special readings in a special area, to be arranged by the student and the instructor.

Prerequisites: At least four theatre arts courses; sponsorship of a faculty member; permission of department

3 credits

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THR 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course. Not for major credit.

THR 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. Students assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and analyzing results of tests that have already been graded. The course in which the student is permitted to work as a teaching assistant must be different from the course in which he or she previously served. Not for major credit.

Prerequisite: THR 475; permission of instructor and department

3 credits, S/U grading

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THR 480: Projects in Media

Advanced work on a particular problem in media. May be repeated up to a maximum of six credits. Only six credits of THR 480, 483, 484 and 487 may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

0-3 credits

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THR 483: Projects in Theatrical Design

Advanced work on a particular problem in theatrical design. May be repeated up to a maximum of six credits. Only six credits of THR 480, 483, and 487 may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

0-3 credits

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THR 484: Projects in Theater

Advanced work on a particular problem in theatre. May be repeated up to a maximum of six credits. Only six credits of THR 480, 483, and 487 may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

0-3 credits

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THR 487: Independent Research

Designing and developing a research project selected by the student in consultation with a faculty member. May be repeated. Only six credits of THR 480, 483, 484 and 487 may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

0-6 credits

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THR 488: Internship

Participation in a professional organization that creates and presents public performances, creates and presents, to the public, works in the media arts, or concerns itself with the management or funding of arts organizations. Students are required to submit written progress reports to their department sponsors and a final written report to the department faculty. Supplementary reading may be assigned. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits.